Apparatus for assembling galvanic cells



May 8, 1928.

H. D. HoDGE APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING GALVANIC CELLS Filed July 17. 192

5 Smeets-Sheetl 1 May 8, 1928.

1,669,054 H. D. HoDGE APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING GALVANIC CELLS Filed`July 17. 192e 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 May 8, 1928.

H. D. HODGE APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING GALVANIC CELLS Filed Julyl'?. 19265 Sheets-Sheet 3 ffm 19m, www *FMA ATTORNEYS May 8, 1928. 1,669,054

H. D. HoDGE APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING GALVANIC CELLS Filed July 17. 192 5Sheets-Sheet 4 May 8, 1928. 1,669,054

H. D. HODGE APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING GALVANIC CELLS Filed July 17.l926hl 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 nl] INVENTOR #awa/* 0. #OQ/ge, decease/ WM l 'rATTORNEYS Patented May 8, 1928.

UNITED STATES 1,669,054 PATENT OFFICE.

HOWARD D. HODGE, DECEASED, LATE 0F BRIDGEPOBT, CONNECTICUT, BY .ELVIRAWELLS HODGE, ADMINISTRATRIX, 0F yBRILDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT, ABSIGNOR T0.'BURGESS BATTERY COMPANY, OF MADISON, WISCONSIN, A. CORPORATION OF WIS'CONSIN.

APPARATUS FOB ASSEMBLING GALVANIC CELLS.

Application led July 17, 1926. Serial No. 123,237.

This invention relates to apparatus for assembling galvanic cells.

The object of this invention is to provide a mechanical means forrapidly assembling the component parts of dry cells, thereby decreasingthe amount of labor necessary for assembly. A further object is to makea moreuniform and higher grade product than is possible with the handassembling methods now commonly in use. The apparatus is so designedthat all operations are plainly visible to the operator and defectivework may be readily detected.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the preferred embodiment of theinvention. Fig. 1 is a front elevation, Fig. 2 a plan i view, and Figs.3 and 4 side elevations of the improved machine. Figs. 5, 6 and 7 aredetails of the reciprocating devices used for assembly operation. Fig. 8is a fragmentary section on the line 8 8 showing the beginning of thedownward stroke of the plunger and core holder at the core insertingstation, while Figs. 9 and 10 are similar sections of the plunger atvarious portions of the down stroke. Fig. 11 is a plan view of the meansfor feeding-the cores to the core holder. Fig. 12`is a cross section ofa type of dry cell which can well be assembled by the machine.

A cylindrical galvanic cell, the assembling of which is contemplated bythe novel apparatus, is shown in cross section in'Fig. 12. It consistsof a can A, containing a depolarizing cathode core which consists of acarbon rod B, about which is firmly tamped a depolarizing mix C ofcarbon or graphite and a depolarizer, such as manganese dioxide,conducting saltsA and water. The cathode core may be naked or may besurrounded by a bibulous envelope D, of cheesecloth, tissue paper, orhardened dip such as is described in United States Patent No. 1,316,597,and ma be insulated at the bottom by an attac ed paper washer or byfolding under the bibulous envelope or may have an insulating bottomlayer of parafiin or suitable wax E. In lieu of the bottom constructiondescribed, an insulating washer may be used at the bottom of the can andon which the core rests. A suitable gelatinous or pasty electrolyte Fseparates the core from the can. This electrolyte may be that describedin United States Patent No. 1,292,764 and may be compounded as describedin United States Patent No. 1,370,056. This novel apparatus offersspecial advantages when used in connection with the methods of the lasttwo patents. An expansion space G above the core is topped by awaterproofed washer H supporting a wax or pitch seal I. In this novelapparatus empty cans, cores, liquid electrolyte, and water-proof washersare fed to the machine and the cells are assembled from these parts,requiring only a pitching operation for their completion.

The apparatus proper is mounted on an elevated bed 1, and is driven bmeans of a pulley 2 or by direct motor rive. Pulley2 is mounted on adrive shaft 3, which 1s journaled in suitable bearings, and carries oneelement 4 of a control clutch. The driven element 5 of the clutch iscarried by a sleeve 6 loosely mounted on the drive shaft. The sleevealso carries a gear 7 meshing with a gear 8 on a cam shaft 9. Thedrlving element 4 of the clutch may be splined to the shaft to permitrelative movement and `may be provided with a groove 10 adapted toreceive the ends of a. yoke 11, carried by a. movable rod 12 andcontrolled by a pivoted clutch lever 13.- This lever projects through aslot 14 in the gear casing. A shaft 15 is driven from the cam shaft 9 bymeans of a vertical shaft 16. As shown, the shafts 9 and 16 are providedwith bevel gears 17 and 18 meshing with each other, and the opposite endof 16 is likewise provided with a bevel gear 19 meshing with a bevelgear 20 on shaft 15. This shaft drives the various mechanisms such asthe core feeder disk 21, electrolyte pump 22, can feeder 23, andlead-screws 24. These various devices are properly synchronized asexplained hereinafter.

On shaft 9 are mounted cams 25, two of which are shown, actuatingreciprocating devices or sliders 26 to 34, in vertical slides 35 on theframe of the machine. These sliders are also called stationshereinafter. The sliders are actuated positively by toggles 36 which arearranged in pairsabove and b eby links 38 and slides 26 to 34 areconnected to the lower toggles by links 39. The various operations inthe assembling of a flashlight except the feeding of the electrolytepaste are adapted to such a vertical reciprocating motion, and the pastepump 1s actuated by a horizontal reciprocating motlon. The cams are sodesigned as to Give the proper speed and throw for each of thereeiprocating devices, the downward stroke bein made while the cans areheld stationary y lead-screw 24, with which the camshaft 9 issynchronized. At station 40 the paste electrolyte is injected into thecan by means of pump 22 while the can is station- 5'lhe cans are carriedforward singly for the various operations by means of the novellead-screw 24, although other means may be used, such as chains orcarrier-fingers. The lead-screw mechanism consists of three screwsmounted as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and Figs. 8 to 11, two screws being inthe rear plane and one in the front for operating convenience andinspection.

The screws are so cut that when mounted as shown in Figs. l and 2 and 8to 11, the corresponding arcs form a portion of a circle and a can ofpredetermined size will be firmly held and will not tip. With eachrevolution of the screws the can is advanced the pitch of the screw. Inthe drawings the reciprocating sliders 26 to 34 are wide enough so thatthey are spaced at twice the pitch of the screw. The cans are fed intothe left end of the lead-screw, Fig. 1, by suitable means, as describedhereinafter, and progress to the right and are discharged atthe rightonto discharge table 41. The leadscrews are actuated from shaft 15through a gear 42 on the shaft meshing with a train of gears 42 mountedon suitable stub shafts. Stub 43 is provided with means for giving anintermittent motion, preferably a Geneva movement, to stub shaft 44,though a ratchet arran ement or similar device may be used. A dis 45 ismounted on shaft 43 and carries a pin 46 adapted to enter radial slots47 in a disk 48 carried by shaft 44. The intermittent movement of shaft44 is transmitted to lead screws 24 by a gear 49 on the shaft whichmeshes with pinions 50 on the ends of the lead screws. The intermittentmovement of the lead-screws 24 is so synchronized with the electrolytepump and cams 25 actuating the reciprocating devices in slides 26 to 34,that the lead-screws are stationary during the squirting of electrolytein the cans and during downward movement of the reciprocating sliders.The lead-screws rotate as indicated in Figs. 8 to 10 and move the cansforward their pitch. distance during the upward travel of the sliders.In this way 'each can moves forward a screw pitch length during onerevolution of the camshaft 9. rllhe lead-screws are mounted in segmentalpillow blocks 51 so shaped that they do not interfere with the forwardmovement of the cans from the can inserting slide 26 to the dischargetable 41.

The number of stations shown may be increased or decreased over thoseshown in Fig. l, depending upon the cell construction and the number ofoperations that it is desirable to perform. Can feeder 23 is driven inthe direction of the arrow in Fig. 2 of the drawings. Shaft 15 isprovidedy with a pair of pulleys 52 adapted to receive a belt 53 whichpasses over either of a pair of pulleys 54 mounted on a shaft 55. Thisshaft drives suitable gearing (not shown) arranged in a gearing casing56 beneath the can feeding disk and connected to the disk to rotate it.Empty dry cell cans 57 are fed by the disk between the guide walls 58and as they approach the end of the outer wall they are fed from thedisk by a lever or linger 59. This lever is pivoted on the frame of themachine at 50, and its opposite end rides on a cam 61 carried by shaftl5. The lever is maintained in engagement with the cam by a spring 62.lVhen the can is ejected from the disk by the lever 59 it is arrangedover the space between the lead-screws as shown at the left in Fig. 1,and the first station lowers the can into the lead-screws so that itwill be fed forwardly.

Slider 26, see Fig. 5, carries a pair of lugs 63 by which the adjustablymounted pusher is reciprocated. This pusher pushes the empty dry cellcan 57 into the lead-screws 24.

The upper lug 63 carries an adjusting screw 64 which engages the upperend of push rod 65 carried by the lower lug 63. The lower end of thisrod is provided with a head 66 of greater diameter than the can andadapted to engage the top of the can to force it down between the leadscrews. At station 27, the reciprocating device inspects vfor no can.Lugs 67, which are attached to slider 27, have rod 68 slidably mountedto reciprocate relative to the lugs. Rod 68 has a foot 69 attached toits lower end and a spring 70 surrounding it between upper lug 67 and acollar 7l attached to the rod 68. To the upper end of rod 68 is fastenedcollar 72 having attached to it a steel pin 73 which actuates dog 74 ifno can is present in lead-screw 24 as will be described hereinafter. Dog74, if actuated, disengages clutch 4 by electrical or other means andstops the machine. On the downward stroke of the slider 27 if a can 57is present in the lead-screw-24, and if head 69 is so adjusted *l that1t strikes can 57 just before the coinpletion of the downward stroke,spring 70 is compressed and allows rod 68 to stop before t e completionof the down stroke. Since collar 72 is attached to rod 68, dog 74 is notactuated if rod 68 does not complete llli lll)

is ready or the paste electrolyte.

the downward stroke due tothe presence of a can 57. If a can is notpresent rod 68 and collar 72 complete the downward stroke therebyactuating dog 74 to stop the machine byany suitable control means.

Station 28 inspects for the presence of an inverted can. Slider 28 isprovided with up er and lower lugs 75 (see Fig. 6). slider rod 76 ismounted in `these lugs and 1s provided with a head 77 on its lower endof less diameterl than the can 57. A compression spring 77 lits over rod76 and 1s fixed between upper lug75 and a collar 78 attached to the rod76. An upward movement of rod 76 in respect to slider 28 results in themovement of rocker arm 79, with the consequent depression of rod 80,also slidably mounted in upper lug 75 against which it is held by meansof spring 81, collar 82 and rocker arm 79.. Collar 83 attached to roddepresses dog 84 if rod 8O is depressed. The depression of dog 84results in the disengaging of clutch 4 by electrical or other means,thus stopping the machine. If `the can 57 has the open end up dog 84 isnot actuated since rod 76 is not actuated with respect to slider 28.

Station 29 straightens or rounds the top of the can if it has beenaccidentally deformed. The can top must be round so that the core may beinserted at `a later station. The can straightening tool 85 is mountedon rod 86 slidably mounted in a lug 87 attached to slider 29. Spring 88on rod l-86 between the tool 85 and lu 87 is sufficiently strong or isunder su cient compression to straighten the can top. Rod 86 is threadedon its upper end, and is adapted to be adjusted by a collar 89 arrangedon the threaded portion and held -in engagement with the top of lug 87by spring 88.

Station 30 may have a device for inserting disks in the bottom of thecan 57 if such a cell construction is used or it may be used for otheroperations. If a disk is to be inserted into the bottom of the can a rod90 with a head 91 is slidably mounted in lugs 92 attached to slider 30.Spring 93 mounted over rod 90 is kept in contact with the upper lug bycollar 94 and allows the rod to be displaced if a disk is at the bottomof the can 57. If a disk is missing, the rod 95 attached to rod 90 bycollar 96 depresses dog 97 disengagin'g clutch llfvby electrical orother means, thus stopping the machine. The washers are fed to head 91by means of hopper 98 and tube 99 and disk-feeding mechanism well knownto those skilled in the art and further explained in the operations atstations 33 and 34.

The em ty can, after leaving station 30 As the can travels to the rightin lead-screws 24 or other conveying device, it receives an injection ofthe liquid paste at station 410.

Pump 22 consists of any convenient plunger or other device which willdeliver a volume of solution with each stroke during the pause of thecan at'station 40.

It is provided with a plunger carried by aplunger rod 100 which isreciprocated bg' a wit a `a shaft mounted in a bearing 104, and carryinga gear meshing with a gear 106 on the shaft 15. The paste solution,which may be self-setting, is oiired into container 107, from which itfee s into the measuring chamber of pump 22. If the paste solution hasto be gelatinized by the aid of heat it is not necessary to continuallyfeed fresh quantities of freshly mixed solution into tank 107 since sucha paste solution will not gelatinize therein.

The can, containing the requisite amount of liquid paste solutionadvances to station 31 by means of lead-screw 24,A where the cathodecore is inserted into the can, the paste solution Welling up about thesides of the core to form the electrolyte between the core and the canas shown' in Fig. 12. This :feature is important and justifies detailedexplanation. Slider 31 actuates an adjustable plunger 108 which is heldby lug 109 attached to the' slider and adjusted by screw 110 mounted inupper lug 111. The bottom of plunger 108 is cut away as shown in Figs 8to 10 so that the pressure will come on t body of the core vinstead ofon the carbon imbedded in it and furthermore will allow esl the core toslide into position from one side,

as will be explained hereinafter. Slider 32 works core-presser foot 112in conjunction with slider 31, the core-presser foot being attached tothe bottom of the slider 32 as shown. The core-presser foot consists ofa block with a slot 113 at one side which allows core C to be pushedinto place over late 114 which is provided with an opening 115 inalignment with the rear of the slot. The cores C are preferably fed intoposition by means of an ordinary feeder disk 21. The dial is rotated inthe direction of the arrow by suitable gearing (not shown) the opening115. The core is positioned i-n core-presser foot 112 while it andplunger 108 are stationary. After the core is positioned, plunger 108starts its descent as does the core-presser foot. The steel fingers .118which may be made of flexible or spring stock, ent-er the can as shownin Fig. 9. The descent of plunger 108 may be so timed that it startspushing the core C between the fingers before or after the lingers enterthe can or thc core-presser foot reaches its lowest point.Notwithstanding the frictional contact of the fingers, theplunger'pushes the core into the can as shown in Fig. 10. At the end ofthe downward stroke of the plunger, the core enters the electrolyte inthe bottom of the can. Themechanism ma be arranged so that the core isreleased rom the fingers just before or just after entering the pasteelectrolyte, thereby allowing the `core to settle by gravity through theelectrolyte to the bottom of the can as shown in Fig. 7, the electrolyteWelling up around the core. The last half of the downward stroke of theplunger is preferably slower than the first half` to prevent mechanicaldamage to the core and squirting of the electrolyte, should it enter theelectrolyte too rapidly. The speed of movementis dependent on the shapeof the driving cams 25. The core presser-foot 112 may also be split at119 and the two halves urged together b y a spring 120. The two halvesthen grip the core and hold it in place, thereby allowing for avariation in core diameter. The friction of the fingers 118 contactingwith the core is then determined by the spring com pression actingthrough the core-presser foot.

The top washer H is inserted into the can at station 33, sliders 33 and34 cooperating. The washer fits over the carbon of the core and isslightly larger in diameter than the inside diameter of the can. Thisvariation in diameter allows the washer to be forced down to a fixeddistance below the top of the can, thereby providing the necessaryexpansion or gas space G above the core and it also provides al base forthe sealing wax or pitch I used to seal the cell. Slider 33` has plunger121 with head 122. The plunger is mounted in lower lug 123, and may beadjusted by a screw 124passing through upper lug 125 and enga-ging thehead of the plunger. The head 122 has a recess to fit over theprojecting carbon of the core. Slider 34 as a foot body 126 attached toit. The slider is cut in two parts and held together by means of rod127, the upper end of which is fixed permanently to the upper portion ofthe slider by means of lug 128 and the lower end projects through a lug129 attached to the lower portion of the slider. The lower end of therod is threaded for an adjusting collar 130. A spiral compression spring131 is placed around the rod between the two halves of the slider tokeep them separated. This allows the foot body 126 to rest upon the canswithout crushing them. The foot body 126 has a slot 132 throughwhich thewas ers are pushed singly to a position above the cans, from whichposition the plunger head 122 pushes them into position in the can asshown at 133. Washers are delivered from a hopper 134 through a tube 135and fed through slot 132. Suitable disk feeding mechanism is employedhere and at \the bottom of tube 99 of station 30, and they are actuatedby a rock shaft 136 having a crank 137 connected to an arm 138 which isreciprocated by a cam 139 on cam shaft 9.

While the above operations complete the cell in so far as the aboveembodiment of the invention is concerned, it is obvious that, ifnecessary, additional operations may be carried out by adding morestations to the machine. The cell is finally carried forward by leadscrew 24 to discharge table 41.

Through use of the machine above described a new method can bepracticed, namely, that of introducing the self-setting electrolyte intothe can, introducing a cathode into that electrolyte and centering thatcathode in its iinal position within the can, all in exactly timedrelation, a result not heretofore obtainable in commercial practice.

A self-setting electrolyte, such as that described in Hambuechen PatentNo. 1,292,764, oli'ers many advantages over electrolytes that have to becooked to effect gelatinization, but its use requires care. If insertionof the cathode be delayed until the electrolyte has appreciablygelatinized the cathode will not sink by gravity to the bottom of thecan. Likewise, if the washer is not inserted promptly after introductionof the cathode into the electrolyte the incipient hardening of the pastewill interfere with ready centering of the cathode in the can, and inextreme cases, may result in breakageof carbons or deformation of thelayer of hardened paste, and even shattering of the molded mix.

Working by hand, and on a factory basis, careful regulation of theelapsed time between insertion of the electrolyte, introduction of thecathode and addition of the washer is impossible. The greater the numberof workmen. and the greater the speed of production, the greater is thevariation in the product due to variations in these time intervals.

By the use of the machine above described very exact timing is possible.Furthermore, that time can be very short, not exceeding a few seconds.There is thus introduced into the manufacture of dry cells a precisionnot to be expected from hand operations. This precision in the timing isof particular imgelatinizin electrolyte is used between the cathode anthe zinc can.

What is claimed :4

1. In mechanism for inserting a dry cell cathode into a can thecombination of a cathode holder, and friction fingers attached to saidholder and adapted to frictionally engage the cathode to control itsmovement toward and into the can.

2. In mechanism for Ainserting a dry cell cathode into a can thecombination of a spring pressed cathode holder, and frictioncathode intoa can the combination ofA means.

for positioning and holding said bans, a cathode holder, a plun er forejecting said cathode from said hol er, and friction fingers carried bysaid holder andengaging said cathode to control the movement of thecathode when leaving the holder.

4. In mechanism for inserting a dry cell cathode into a can, thecombination of means for positioning and holding the can, a cathodeholder having fingers extending downward therefrom, and a plungerforejecting said cathode from said holder, said lingers being so positionedwith reference to the holder in the can that when the cathode is ejectedfrom the holder into the can said lingers will be in `frictional contactwith the cathode and will control its freedom of movement.

5. In mechanism Vfor inserting a dry cell cathode into a can thecombination of means for positioning and holdin said can, a split springpressed catho e holder into which a cathode may enter from the side,

a plunger for ejecting -said cathode from said holder into the can, andmeans frictionally engaging the cathode to control its movement onleavin the holder.

6. In mechanism or inserting a dry cell cathode into a can thecombination of means for positioning and holding 'said can, a cathodeholder above said can and registering therewith, a lunger for ejectingsaid cathode through t e bottom of said holder, fingers extendingdownward from said holder and contactin with said cathode and providingfrictiona resistance therewith during the course of the cathode from theholder into the can, and mechanism for lowering said holder and therebyinserting said fingers into the top oi the can preparatory tointroduction of the cathode into the can.

7. In mechanism for inserting a dry cell cathode into a can, thecombination with a cathode holder, friction fingers carried thereby,means for positioning and holding the can, and a plunger for ejectingthe cathtions, a cathode ode from said holder, said plunger being adated to be `actuated on t e' ownwar Stro e at a speed greater during thefirst art of the stroke than during the last hal of the stroke.

8. In apparatus for assembling dry cells the combination of means foradvancing dr cell cans to consecutive stations and wit an intermittentmovement, a reciprocating -plunger for inserting a cathode into each ofsaid cans while it auses at one of said stay iiolder from which saidcathodes are ejected. by said reciprocating plunger, means frictionallyengaging each cathode as it leaves the holder to control its deliveryinto a can, and means for feeding said cathodes into said holder.

9. In apparatus for assembling dry cells the combination of a pluralityof lead-screws for advancing dry cell cans intermittently to consecutivestations, a reciprocating plunger for delivering a cathode into each ofsaid cans while itpauses at one of said stations, a split s ring pressedholder from which said catho es are ejected in succession by saidplunger, and lingers extending downward from said holder and rictionallyengaging each cathode to control its delivery into a can.

10. In apparatus for assembling dry cells the combination of means foradvancing dry cell cans to consecutive stations with an intermittentmovement, mechanisms timed therewith for carrying out assemblyoperations while said cans are pausing at said stations, said timedmechanism comprising means for introducing into each can a measuredquantity of electrolyte and slowly lowering a cathode therein, and meansfor lacing washers over each cathode at a fixe distance below4 the topof its can.

11. In apparatus for assembling dry cells the combination of means foradvancing dry cell cans to consecutive stations with an intermittentmovement, mechanism for carrying out assembly operations of said canswhile pausing at said stations, said' mechanism including a plunger forplacing a washer at a xed distance below the top of each can, and awasher feeding mechanism associated with said plunger and actuatedthrough a spring connected divided slider so that the machine willtolerate cans varying somewhat in hei ht.

12. In apparatus or assembling dry cells the combination of means foradvancing dry cell cans to consecutive stations with an intermittentmovement, and mechanism for carrying out assembly operations while saidcans are pausing at said stations, said mechamsm comprising in operativesequence, means for flowing a measured quantity of electrolyte into eachcan, reciprocating means for gently introducin a cathode into each canof electrolyte an reciprocating means for lacing a washer over saidcathode at a fixed distance below the to of its can.

13. In apparatus or assembling dry cells the combination with lead-screwmechanism for advancing dry cell cans intermittently to consecutivestations, and mechanism for ca rrying out assembly operations when saidcans are pausing at said stations, said mechanism comprising inoperative sequence,

means for flowing a measured quantity of.

electrolyte into each can, means for inserting a cathode into each canof electrolyte, and means for placing a washer over each cathode at afixed distance below the top of its can. v

14. In apparatus for assembling dry cells the combination of means foradvancing dry cell cans intermittently to consecutive stations,mechanism for carrying out assembly operations while said cans arepausing at said stations, said mechanism comprising in operativesequence, means for pumping a measured quant-ity of freshly mixed selfsetting electrolyte into each can, reciprocating means for entlylowering a cathode into each can o? electrolyte, and reciprocating meansfor placing a washer over each cathode at a fixed distance below the topof its can.

15. In apparatus for assembling dry cells, the combination withlead-screw mechanism for advancing dry cell cans intermittently toconsecutive stations, and mechanism .for carrying out assemblyoperations while said cans are pausing at said stations, said mechanismcomprising in operative sequence, means for flowing a measured quantityof electrolyte into each can, a reciprocating plunger for forcing acathode into each can of electrolyte against the rictional resistance ofcathode engaging fingers, means for lacing a washer over each cathode ata iixed distance below the top of its can, and cooperating mechanism forfeeding said washer, said feeding mechanism bein adapted to cans varyingsomewhat in heig t.

16. In apparatus for assembling dry cells the combination with mechanismfor advancing dry cell cans to consecutive stations intermittently, andmechanism for carrying out various operations while said cans arepausing at said stations, said mechanism comprising in operativeseque-nce, a reciproeating head for rounding the tops of deformed cans,means for iiowing a measured quantity of electrolyte into each can,means for inserting a cathode into each can of electrolyte, andautomatic means for placing a washer over each cathode at a fixeddistance below the top of its can.

17. In apparatus for assembling dry cells the combination with mechanismfor advancing dry cell cans intermittently to consecutive stations, andmechanism for carrying out various operations while said cans uredquantity of electrotlye in each can, rec ciprocating means for insertinga cathode into each can of electrolyte, reciprocating means for placinga washer over each cathode at a fixed distance below the top of its can,and mechanism for feeding said Washers singly to said last namedreciprocating means.

18. In apparatus for assembling dry cells comprising in combination alead-screw mechanism for advancing dry cell cans intermittently toconsecutive stations, means for feeding empty cans into said lead-screwmechanism, said means including a reciprocating head for positivelyplacing said cans between the lead-screws, and cooperative mechanism forcarrying out various operations while said cans are pausing at saidstations, said last named mechanism comprising in operative sequence, areciprocating head to test for absence of cans, a reciprocating head totest for inverted cans, a spring controlled reciprocating head forrounding the tops of deformed cans, reciprocating means for inserting awasher into the bottom of each can when desired, and mechanism forfeeding said washer singly to said reciprocating means means for flowinga measured quantity of electrolyte into each can, a reciprocating headfor inserting a cathode into each can of electrolyte against ,frictionalresistance from a cathode holder,

reciprocating means for placing a Washer over each cathode at a xeddistance below the top of its can, and mechanism for feeding saldcathode washers singly to said last named reci rocating means, saidfeeding mechanism aving a yielding mounting to allow for variations inthe height of the cans.

19. In apparatus for assembling dry cells, the combination of mechanismfor advancing dry cell cans to consecutive stations, a pump at one ofsaid stations lfor delivering a measured quantity of electrolyte into acan while pausing at that station and a reciprocating plunger at anotherof said stations for insertmg a cathode into a can while pausing at thatstation.

20. In apparatus for assembling dry cells, the combination of means foradvancing dry cell cans to consecutive stations with an intermittentmovement, and me'chanisms timed therewith for carrying out assemblingoperations while said cans are pausing at said stations, said timedmechanism comprising means for introducing into each can a measuredquantity of electrolyte and means for slowly lowering a cathode therein.

21. In apparatus for assembling dry cells, the combination of means forintermittently a'dvancing dry cell cans to consecutive stations andmechanism for carrying out various operations While said cans arepausing at said stations, said mechanism comprising in operativesequence, a reciprocating head to test for inverted cans, means forinserting a measured quantity of electrolyte in each of said cans, andmeans for inserting a cathode in each of said cans.

22. In apparatus for assembling dry cells, the combination of means foradvancing dry cell cans intermittently to consecutive stations andmechanism for carrying out various operations while said cans arepausing at said stations, said mechanism comprising in operativesequence, means for testing for absence of cans, means for inserting ameasured quantity of electrolyte in each of said cans, and means forinserting a cathode in each of said cans.

23. In apparatus for assembling dry cells, the combination of means foradvancing dry cell cans intermittently to consecutive stations andmechanism for carrying out various operations While said cans arepausing at said stations, said mechanism comprising in operativesequence, means for rounding the tops of deformed cans, means forinserting a measured quantity of electrolyte in each of said cans, andmeans for inserting a cathode in each of said cans.

24. In apparatus for assembling dry cells, the combination of means foradvancing dry cell cans intermittently to consecutive stations andmechanism for carrying out var1- ous operations while said cans arepausing at said stations, said mechanism comprising in operativesequence, means for testing for the absence of cans, means to test forinverted cans, means for successively inserting a measuied quantity ofelectrolyte in eac of said cans, and means for inserting a cathode ineach of said cans.

25. In apparatus for assembling dry cells, the combination of means foradvancing dry cell cans intermittently to consecutive stations andmechanism for carrying out various operations While said cans arepausing at said stations, said mechanism comprising in operativesequence, means for testing for absence of cans, a reciprocating head totest for inverted cans, a reciprocating head for rounding the tops ofdeformed cans, means for delivering a measured quantity of electrolyteinto each of said cans and means for inserting a cathode in each of saidcans.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

ELVIRA WELLS I-IODGE. Administrando@ of the Last Wz'ZZ and Testament ofHoward D. Hodge, Deceased.

